In a world of surfing dominated by American and Australian giants, and where competition is tough, a young French company has managed to make a place for itself alongside the most famous board brands.
The story of Zeus is an epic that begins with a flash, a spark in the eyes of three young visionaries. This saga tells how a surf brand, born without a business model, driven by sharing, carefreeness, spontaneity and a pinch of audacity, managed to climb the ranks of the surfing Olympus.
In this article, we will take you on a captivating journey through time, from Zeus ' humble beginnings to his current international fame. Strap on your leash and get ready to discover how Zeus went from a flash in the pan to a legendary rise in the surfing world.
The Spark of the Beginning
The story of Zeus begins with a flash of lightning, an impulsive whim that inspired three young adventurous minds to embark on an extraordinary journey. Gaspard, Elliot and Martin, only 18 years old, were driven by an irrepressible desire to learn and grow, a thirst for adventure stronger than anything. Without a business model in mind, they embraced an approach to surfing based on sharing, carefreeness, spontaneity and limitless audacity. This approach would prove to be the starting point of an extraordinary adventure , propelling Zeus to unsuspected heights in the surf industry.
No Business Model, Just Audacity
The Zeus brand was built on unconventional foundations. Without a developed business plan, the brand dared to stand out by embracing a philosophy of sharing, carefreeness, spontaneity and audacity. These unorthodox ingredients have played a key role in Zeus ’ meteoric rise.
While most companies opt for calculated approaches, Zeus chose to follow his instincts and passion for surfing. That's how an idea born from a whim turned into an unstoppable force that conquered the surfing Olympus.
We'll dive into the details of this audacious rise to power that made Zeus a true legend in the surfing world.
The First Zeus Boards
In April 2015, Zeus was born with a flash of inspiration. The three founders, Gaspard, Elliot and Martin, decided to embark on an adventure that would take them far beyond their wildest dreams. At the time, they were barely 18 years old, but they were driven by an indomitable passion for surfing . This is how a limited series of 10 Stand-Up Paddle boards (SUPs) was born, the very first creations of Zeus. Modest in their number, these boards were a testament to the audacity of these young entrepreneurs.
The beginnings were humble, but the enthusiasm was boundless. Gaspard, Elliot and Martin worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life. They used their creativity and instinct, shaping each board with care.
These first boards, although limited in quantity, embodied the very essence of Zeus : a brand born from passion, audacity and the desire to learn.
Zeus Chip Shop
The summer of 2015 brought a unique opportunity to Zeus , and it happened in a completely unexpected way. The town hall of Trébeurden , in a rare gesture of trust, offered Zeus the opportunity to promote his boards in exchange for one small condition: to offer a catering activity on the beach. It was a challenge for these young entrepreneurs, but they were up for it.
It was the beginning of an unexpected culinary adventure. Zeus decided to branch out by serving homemade burgers and fresh fries. The little beachside stall became much more than just a SUP rental spot . It became a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, an experience where surfing, good food and a friendly atmosphere came together. The summer of 2015 witnessed the birth of Zeus “ Baraque à Frites ”, an unexpected fusion of the passion for surfing and cooking, and a memorable milestone in Zeus’ journey.
The First Surfshop
June 2016 marked another milestone in the history of Zeus . It was at this time that Zeus opened its very first Surfshop in Perros . This store, located in the heart of the town, became the place to promote the very first Zeus surf range. The boards that had started as a limited series of SUPs have now evolved to include a diverse range of surfboards . This Surfshop was much more than a point of sale, it was a place where the passion for surfing was shared with the community.
The founders worked tirelessly to deliver quality boards , each bearing the imprint of their dedication. The Perros Surfshop quickly became an iconic place where surfers and enthusiasts gathered to discover the unique world of Zeus . It was the beginning of a new era for the brand, an era where Zeus was ready to conquer new horizons and share its passion for surfing with the world.
At the same time, the young entrepreneurs decided to diversify and the first Zeus surfwear collection was born.
The Camtard and the European Adventure
In May 2017, Zeus took another bold step towards adventure. That’s when the Jumper truck was acquired for an epic journey across Europe. For 18 months, Gaspard, Elliot and Martin hit the road, determined to discover new waves, new horizons, and to build relationships with new partners.
The Camtard became their mobile home, carrying Zeus boards and the brand's adventurous spirit.
This European adventure was a crucial step in the growth of Zeus. They crisscrossed the coasts, from the Breton tips to the Spanish waves of Tarifa, sharing their passion for surfing with surf schools , local shops and enthusiastic surfers. Every wave surfed, every smile shared, every board sold, contributed to strengthening Zeus ' presence in the surfing world. It was a period of discovery, learning and consolidating the brand's identity.
The Pandemic Challenge
February 2020 brought an unexpected challenge for Zeus . As the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread across the world, travel was restricted, events were canceled, and uncertainty loomed. However, instead of backing down, Zeus chose to face this difficult time with determination.
During this period, the Zeus team used their time to develop a solid business plan. They rethought their strategy, strengthened their partnerships and sought funding to support their vision.
Rather than seeing the pandemic as an insurmountable obstacle, Zeus used it as an opportunity to reinvent themselves and prepare for future growth. This period has shown the resilience of the team and their commitment to the future of Zeus. The world of surfing and boardsports is booming, with an increased demand for beginner surfboards. With closed borders and limited travel options, surf schools in France and Europe are full.
With an increased presence in surf schools in France, the brand is gaining popularity with the general public, surf shops in France. Zeus surfboards are renowned for their reliability in surf schools while being affordable for beginners.
The Arrival of Gaspard Larsonneur
Zeus is also a team of passionate riders
In April 2020, Zeus welcomed a new member to its team, a French champion in the person of Gaspard Larsonneur. This collaboration had a significant impact on the brand and strengthened its position in the surfing world. Gaspard, with his exceptional talent, became an ambassador of Zeus, demonstrating the performance and quality of Zeus boards.
Discover the Pro Model Larsonneur
The New Surfshop and the collaboration with Cabianca
In June 2022, Zeus wrote an exciting new chapter in its history by opening the doors of its brand new Surfshop, located in the brand's historic city. The Surfshop has become much more than just a surfboard store. It has become a meeting place for surfers and surf enthusiasts, a place where you can feel the spirit of Zeus at every moment.
For this season, the French brand is teaming up with a renowned Shaper: Johny Cabianca. If you don't know Cabianca yet, he is one of the most sought-after shapers on the international surfing scene and for good reason, his surfboards are used by Gabriel Medina, triple world surfing champion.
On the menu a range of Softop Ultra High Performance surfboards .
Towards the Softboard Factory
At the beginning of 2023, Zeus made a bold announcement by revealing its plans to manufacture Made in France surfboards . This bold move fits perfectly with the brand's vision. Zeus does not just create exceptional surfboards, it aims to manufacture them with unmatched attention to detail and quality. The goal is to be closer to the market and more responsive
The first boards manufactured are promising, with a unique construction with a lower environmental impact thanks to an eco-designed foam core.
We’ll reveal everything to you in a future article!
Zeus Around the World
Zeus is not only conquering the waves in France, but it is also expanding across the world . Zeus' international expansion efforts have been impressive.
Since this year, Zeus has also established itself on the African continent with a subsidiary in Morocco. The country has become one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world.
Today, you can find Zeus boards all over the world, from exotic destinations like Sri Lanka to Costa Rica, to countries like Norway, Ireland and Portugal.
The brand has expanded its footprint while maintaining its core values of fun and adventure . A surf brand designed by surfers for surfers.
Zeus has adapted to the different cultures and needs of surfers around the world, becoming a respected international brand. This expansion continues to open new opportunities for Zeus and reinforces its status as a global player in the surfing scene.
The brand remains true to its mission of providing quality surfboards that bring happiness to every surfer, wherever they are on the planet.
Next steps: continue to develop in Africa, then in Asia and in Uncle Sam's country!
The Future of Zeus
Zeus has no intention of slowing down its rapid pace of innovation and growth. The next chapters in the Zeus story promise to be as exciting as the last. The team has many exciting projects in the pipeline , including events that will bring the surfing community together and showcase Zeus’ unique philosophy.
Innovation continues to be part of Zeus’ DNA. The brand plans to unveil new technologies and innovative designs for the surfboards, ensuring an even more exceptional surfing experience. International development also remains a priority, with the aim of making Zeus boards accessible to an even wider audience.
The Zeus team’s commitment to progress, explore new horizons and create unforgettable experiences for surfers is stronger than ever. Stay tuned, because the Zeus story is far from over.
Zeus ’ rise in the surfing world is a true epic, marked by passion , audacity and innovation . From its humble beginnings as a bold idea of 18-year-olds to its current status as a renowned international brand.
Whether you're a seasoned surfer or considering getting on a board for the first time, Zeus promises an extraordinary adventure with every wave.
Join the Zeus family and get ready to experience surfing like never before.
